Butternut Squash Gratin Recipe

Intimidated by butternut squash?  Stuck in the rut of thinking butternut squash puree is the only way to enjoy it?  Don't be!  With this easy Butternut Squash Gratin recipe, you'll soon be enjoying butternut squash's rich deliciousness in a new and delightfully-cheesy way.

I often get stuck in the rut of thinking the only way to prepare butternut squash is as a puree.  I may change up the spices I put in my puree ... sometimes cinnamon and a touch of cloves, sometimes a bit of cumin, or perhaps a tiny sprinkle of cardamom ..., but it's still butternut squash puree.  Now while I certainly love it, sometimes I'd just like to break out of the rut.  And make something different.

Enter ~ this Butternut Squash Gratin recipe.  It's my new favorite way to enjoy this Fall gem.

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Pecan Meringue Kiss Cookies

Love the light & airy crispness of meringue cookies?  Then you'll fall in love with these Pecan Meringue Kiss Cookies!  Because the crunch and flavor of chopped pecans and a hint of almond extract make already-fabulous meringue cookies even better.

My husband Mark and I are fortunate to have access to a supply of fresh, home-grown pecans.  At least when the squirrels don't get them all before us, that is!  And believe me, beating the squirrels to the pecans is a never-ending battle, for sure.  But when we are  able to beat those spunky little squirrels? ... There's nothing better than to enjoy those fresh pecans in home-baked sweet treats like these Pecan Meringue Kiss Cookies.

See, at Mark's Mom's house, there are four large pecan trees scattered throughout her yard.  Have you ever seen pecans growing on the tree?

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Pumpkin Cheesecake Crescents

Create a new Fall holiday tradition with Pumpkin Cheesecake Crescents.  Thank you to Pillsbury Crescents® for inspiring their creation and for sponsoring this post.

#warmtraditions

Once the end of September hits and we round the corner into October, it seems we slide into the holiday season without even realizing it's upon us.  Before we know it, we're picking pumpkins and donning our Halloween costumes, roasting turkeys and celebrating all we're thankful for, singing fa-la-la-la as we search for the perfect presents for those we love, and then clinking glasses to ring in the new year.  Yes, Fall arrives and along with it comes festive events and recipes right through to the end of the year.

And I love it.

I love that the holiday season ... straight through from Halloween to New Years ... is rich with family traditions.  And of course, I love that many of these traditions involve special foods and recipes.

So when Pillsbury® challenged me to put a spin on one of my old and cherished Fall holiday traditions with Pillsbury Crescents®, how could I resist?

Fudgy Chocolate Layer Bars

Rich and fudgy Chocolate Layer Bars are so good, no matter how often you make them it won't be often enough.  With their layer of fudgy chocolate-almond filling sandwiched between two layers of buttery crumb crust, these tasty bars are little bites of chocolate heaven!
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Creamy Pumpkin Mousse Pie with Gingersnap Crust

With its gingersnap crust and creamy filling, Pumpkin Mousse Pie with Gingersnap Crust will quickly become a seasonal favorite to help you celebrate all those special events {or random Tuesdays} of fall.

I am partnering with Kraft as a member of Kraft Tastemakers - a community of kitchen enthusiasts contributing recipes and stories to KraftRecipes.com.  Thank you to Kraft for sponsoring this post!  The stories and opinions shared are my own.  Visit the Kraft recipe site for the full Creamy Pumpkin Mousse Pie with Gingersnap Crust recipe.

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Easy Pizza Bites

Frozen phyllo shells & an easy pizza filling make quick work of these tasty little pizza bites!  Easy Pizza Bites are a fun meal starter, perfect game day nibble, or easy snack and party time treat.

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Homemade Candy Corn

Make your very own version of this iconic Halloween candy ~ homemade Candy Corn.

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Sing it with now ... "It's the most wonderful time of the year.  With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer!"  ... Oh, wait!  Wrong time of the year.

So it may not be Christmas time, but it is  the time of year when candy corn is everywhere.  You can't turn around in a store without seeing a bagful of this iconic Fall candy.

But did you know you can make homemade Candy Corn?  You sure can!

Now the next question you're probably thinking ... Is making homemade Candy Corn worth the effort?

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Easy No-Bake Chocolate-Pumpkin Icebox Cake

 Chocolate & pumpkin are amazing together!  With chocolate graham crackers & a quick pumpkin mousse, this creamy No-Bake Chocolate-Pumpkin Icebox Cake makes it easy to bring this fabulous flavor combination together in one delicious dessert.  It's a match made in pumpkin lovers' heaven.

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One of my favorite flavor combinations is chocolate and pumpkin.  And one of our family's absolute favorite desserts is No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert.  So I'm sure you know exactly where my mind went once the Fall pumpkin cravings hit, right?  

Mmm hmmmm ... My mind said, "It makes perfect sense to join these two favorites together!"  Enter ~ this easy No-Bake Chocolate-Pumpkin Icebox Cake.  And oh.  my.  word. is it good.

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